Top 5 Behaviors to Master Your Creativity

Posted on by myronbernard

 

Top 5 Behaviors to Master Your Creativity

This content is adapted from a larger framework I’m currently completing called
The Musician 101 – Mastering Your Creativity Daily.
A simple, 15-minutes-a-day habit system built around consistency, not hype.

Creativity doesn’t show up by accident.
It responds to structure, repetition, and standards.

Here are five behaviors I’ve seen—over decades—that consistently separate working musicians from frustrated hobbyists.

1. PRACTICE, LEARN, AND GROW

It is always about the music.

Practice your craft daily. Learn music theory. Learn to write and read music. These skills don’t box you in—they make you employable and adaptable.

Never stop learning, and never stop finding people to learn from. This has to remain your number one priority, regardless of what else is happening in your career.

Keeping calluses on your fingers isn’t enough. When you hit a wall, challenge yourself:

  • Pick up another instrument

  • Improve your home recording skills

  • Study arranging, harmony, or rhythm

Taking a short break from your primary instrument can help—but there is no reason to stop learning altogether.

2. NETWORK (WITH INTENTION)

Seek out people who are already making a living in music:
session players, band members, producers, engineers, executives, managers, agents.

Talent matters—but so does proximity.

Some people advance faster not because they are more talented, but because they know how to build real relationships and invite others into meaningful collaboration.

Develop conversation currency:

  • Ask good questions

  • Be genuinely curious

  • Offer value before asking for opportunity

And a quick reality check:
Talking only about yourself and how you want to be a star will put people to sleep fast. Don’t do it.

3. PLAY AND RECORD OFTEN

Play live. Record at home. Preserve your ideas.

Join bands. Co-write whenever possible. Start with open mics if needed and work your way up. Momentum comes from doing, not waiting.

Your songs and recordings are like seeds—plant a lot of them.
Collaboration increases the chances they grow.

Stay in contact with people who are doing what you want to do. Shared progress builds shared opportunity.

4. BE PROFESSIONAL

The music business is full of flakes. Don’t be one.

Be punctual. Be prepared. Be present.
Pay attention—it’s your career.

Ask questions instead of pretending you already know. Respect the time and effort of everyone you’re working with. They’re making a living too.

There’s a reason Spinal Tap is still funny—it’s rooted in truth. Learn from it instead of repeating it.

Professionalism is not boring.
It’s rare—and it gets remembered.

5. LEARN THE BUSINESS

Understand how money moves in the music business.

A good starting point is Donald Passman’s All You Need to Know About
the Music Business.

I often recommend it as a baseline reference before going deeper into contracts,
publishing, and revenue streams.

When you understand where revenue comes from, it becomes much harder
for people to take advantage of you—and they will try.

This doesn’t require advanced accounting.
It requires awareness.

Track your spending. Keep receipts. Use a simple spreadsheet.
You’ll quickly see where your priorities really are.

I once suggested this exercise to someone who realized they were spending more on snacks and beer than on their career. They’re much further along now.

Clarity changes behavior.

Want More Basic Daily Actions?

This post comes from a larger 15-minute-a-day creativity system
designed to build consistency without overwhelm.